Nursery rhymes are fun . They generally feature colorful characters, involved in a host of varied situations. They are resolved very simply, in a language that is identifiable and thanks to their rhythm; kids actually want to hear them repeatedly.
For ages still the same rhymes are recited in Pre –schools. I had actually forgotten all those favorite rhymes, which I had learnt whilst in kindergarten. I get nostalgic as and when my daughter recites the same in kindergarten and really enjoy the same.
Nursery rhymes are recited with actions enabling children to know the theme of the rhymes. As children do not understand the wordings, it’s the tune and actions which makes them understand the same. Most rhymes mainly deal birds, animals, small children, flowers etc. which appeal to the children.
Some of my all time favorites are :
1) Johnny, Johnny,
Yes, Papa,
Eating sugar?
No, Papa
Telling lies?
No, Papa
Open your mouth
O Ha! Ha! Ha!
This rhyme is a really interactive one. Elders normally play with the child reciting the rhymes and child would answer O Ha! Ha! Ha!
2) Chubby cheeks, dimple chin
rosy lips, teeth within,
Curly hair, very fair,
eyes are blue, lovely too,
Teacher’s pet, is that you??
Yes, Yes, Yes.
This is very famous and small kids enjoy the same with actions. Elders also enjoy with the kids.
3) Twinkle, Twinkle, Little star
How I wonder what you are?
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.
Another traditional one, which is recited all across the globe.
4) Baa, baa, black sheep
Have you any wool?
Yes sir, Yes sir,
Three bags full:
One for my master,
And one for his dame,
And one for the little boy
Who lives down the lane
As a kid used to wonder, who the dame across the lane actually was.
5) One, two, three, four, five
Once I caught a fish alive.
Six, seven, eight, nine, ten,
Then I let it go again.
Why did you let it go?
Because it bit my finger so.
Which finger did it bite?
This little finger on the right.
This is a very rhythmic one.
6) Jack and Jill went up the hill,
To fetch a pail of water;
Jack fell down and broke his crown,
And Jill came tumbling after.
7) Jingle bells, jingle bells,
Jingle all the way.
O what fun it is to ride,
In a in-horse open sleigh.
This is all time favorite during Christmas time
8) Humpty Dumpty
Sat on a wall,
Humpty Dumpty
Had a great fall.
All the king’s horses
And all the king’s men,
Couldn’t put Humpty
Together again.
A very humorous one indeed.
9) Hop a little, jump a little,
One two, three;
Run a little, skip a little,
Tap one knee;
Bend a little, stretch a little,
Nod your head;
Yawn a little, sleep a little,
In your bed.
Children really love enacting this one..
10) I love you
You love me
We’re a happy family
With a great big hug and a kiss from me to you
Wont you say you love me too.
I love you
you love me
We’re best friends like friends should be
With a great big hug and a kiss from me to you
Wont you say you love me too.
The Barney theme song has become more or less an anthem for a well knit and happy family
I am sure the rhymes listed above have appealed and still continue to appeal to all and sundry wherever they are.